Hearts players share in survival plan

ANDY WEBSTER has revealed that big-hearted Hearts stars have bought shares in the crisis club.

The Tynecastle club have raised more than £600,000 since their share issue was launched as they battle for survival.

Hearts players agreed to take wage deferrals to help the club after a winding-up order was issued over a £450,000 tax bill, while Webster also revealed they have dipped into their pockets to buy shares and give them to the club’s youth foundation.

He said: “It was a real prospect that the St Mirren game could have been our last and, from a player’s point of view, you try to help out any way you can. A lot of the boys have bought shares and handed them back to the club.

“As far as I know, everyone bought shares and handed them back to Hearts Youth Foundation. The players are just desperate to help in any way they can.”

As far as I know, everyone bought shares and handed them back to Hearts Youth Foundation. The players are just desperate to help in any way they can

Andy Webster

Webster says it was easy for the players to accept wage deferrals, adding: “When they explained the circumstances the club is in, you wanted to help.

“We’ve done that and the fans have definitely rallied round. That has been great to see and it shows you just how big a club are.”

Webster believes the response of the supporters is proof Hearts can come through these dark days. He said: “We’re all in it together and everyone is doing their bit for the club and, from our point of view, our bit is on the pitch. If the fans’ response is anything to go by, I’m sure the club will survive.

“The fans have really rallied round, which has been great to see, and everyone at the club appreciates what they’ve done.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of the fans’ proposed buy-out and how it would work.

“I think, with the share issue, they’re looking to see part of the club so we’ll see what happens.

“The institution that Hearts is, it’s been around for a long period of time, and with the history the club has then I think people would want the club to remain. With everyone working hard, hopefully we can rectify the situation.”

Hearts manager John McGlynn has also revealed that many of his top players could be sold in January to slash the wage bill.

Webster could be a target for other clubs but the Scotland star is just concentrating on playing.

He said: “I’m not thinking about my contract because we’ve got a massive game on Wednesday and again at the weekend and that’s what you look forward to. As far as what the future holds, you deal with the situation at the time.”